Eat Well on a Budget: 44 Nutritious Foods Under $1 Per Serving
Are you tired of breaking the bank on healthy food options? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 44 nutritious foods that won’t dent your wallet, with each serving costing under $1.
Protein-Packed Options
- Pinto beans ($0.30 per 1/2 cup) – rich in protein and fiber, perfect for burritos, soups, and salads
- Eggs ($0.19 per egg) – scramble with veggies or add to a crepe for a protein-packed meal
- Almonds ($0.60 per ounce) – rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber, great for snacking or adding to oatmeal
- Peanuts ($0.50 per ounce) – healthy fats and protein make them a great trail mix addition
- Chicken breasts ($0.75 for 4 ounces) – lean protein for gyros, salads, or non-boring chicken ideas
- Black beans ($0.30 per 1/2 cup) – fiber, calcium, and folic acid make them a healthy addition to soups and tacos
- Lentils ($0.12 per 1/2 cup) – rich in protein, antioxidants, and fiber, great for curries and soups
- Garbanzo beans ($0.30 per 1/2 cup) – fiber and protein make them a great addition to salads and hummus
- Tofu ($0.20 per ounce) – high in protein and low in fat, perfect for stir-fries and smoothies
- Pumpkin seeds ($0.50 per ounce) – essential vitamins and minerals, great for snacking or adding to salads
Dairy Delights
- Yogurt ($1 per 6-ounce cup) – protein and calcium make it a great breakfast treat
- Cottage cheese ($1 per 1/2 cup) – high in protein and low in calories, great for sweet and savory dishes
- Milk ($0.25 per cup) – calcium and protein make it a great addition to smoothies and cereal
Whole Grains
- Brown rice ($0.18 per 1/4 cup) – fiber and nutrients make it a healthier alternative to white rice
- Whole-wheat pasta ($0.37 per 1/2 cup) – fiber, antioxidants, and protein make it a great alternative to regular pasta
- Popcorn ($0.30 per 1/2 cup) – low in calories and high in fiber, perfect for a healthy snack
- Quinoa ($0.60 per 1/4 cup) – protein, fiber, and nutrients make it a great addition to salads and bowls
Fresh Fruits
- Grapes ($0.75 per cup) – antioxidants and fiber make them a great snack or addition to salads
- Watermelon ($0.30 per cup) – vitamin C and water content make it a refreshing summer treat
- Bananas ($0.50 per banana) – potassium and fiber make them a great grab-and-go snack
- Kiwi ($0.40 per kiwi) – vitamin C and fiber make them a great addition to fruit salads and smoothies
- Cantaloupe ($0.50 per 1/2 cup) – antioxidants and vitamins make it a great summer treat
- Apples ($0.75 per apple) – antioxidants and fiber make them a great snack or addition to oatmeal
- Pears ($0.85 each) – fiber and antioxidants make them a great fall-themed snack
- Oranges ($0.50 each) – vitamin C and fiber make them a great snack or addition to smoothies
Veggie Delights
- Garlic ($0.30 per bulb) – vitamins and minerals make it a great addition to sautéed veggies and dips
- Canned pumpkin ($0.75 per 1/2 cup) – antioxidants and fiber make it a great addition to soups and smoothies
- Canned tomatoes ($0.50 per 1/2 cup) – lycopene and vitamins make them a great addition to sauces and stews
- Onions ($0.18 each) – antioxidants and fiber make them a great addition to stir-fries and salads
- Carrots ($0.50 each) – vitamin A and fiber make them a great snack or addition to salads
- Winter squash ($0.50 per 1/2 cup) – vitamins and fiber make it a great addition to soups and stews
- Kale ($0.50 per cup) – antioxidants and vitamins make it a great addition to salads and smoothies
- Beets ($0.35 each) – antioxidants and fiber make them a great addition to salads and smoothies
- Broccoli ($0.50 per 1/2 cup) – vitamins and fiber make it a great addition to soups and stews
- Spinach ($0.50 per cup) – vitamins and fiber make it a great addition to salads and smoothies
- Sweet potatoes ($0.50 each) – vitamin A and fiber make them a great alternative to regular potatoes
- Edamame ($0.50 per 1/2 cup) – protein and fiber make them a great snack or addition to salads
Beverages
- Coffee ($0.40 per 16-ounce cup) – antioxidants and caffeine make it a great morning pick-me-up
- Tea ($0.10 per tea bag) – antioxidants and vitamins make it a great alternative to sugary drinks
- Water (free!) – hydration and detoxification make it a great choice for any time of day
Tips and Tricks
- Buy in bulk to save money
- Plan your meals and snacks to avoid food waste
- Shop for seasonal produce to get the best prices
- Cook at home instead of eating out to save money and calories
With these 44 nutritious foods under $1 per serving, you can eat well on a budget without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Happy cooking!
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